Bathtub



April 18,1944. c. J. RODMAN BATHTUB Filed May '7, 1942 INVENTOR cc JlZadman C'Zaren Patented A r. 1a, 1944 UNITED STATES PATENT oFFlcE' BATHTUB v Clarence J. Bodman, Alliance, Ohio Application May I, 1942, Serlal No. 442,093

.1 Claim.

This invention relates to a bathtub and, in particular, to a tub formed of light gauge steel by drawing a flat sheet thereof to the proper shape by suitable dies.

Bathtubs made of steel stampings have been produced over a period of several years and used with a high degree of satisfaction. Usually the tube have been made from 12 or 14 gauge steel sheets and have either been drawn in one piece or in two or more pieces adapted to be welded together. In either case, it has been the practice to provide so-called right and left styles of tubs, depending on whetherthe drain end is on the right or left when looking at the tub from the, side away from the wall. This has involved additional expense because different dies are required for making the two styles and it has been necessary to stock both types in order to meet the demands of the trade.

I have invented a novel form of tub which is characterized by numerous important advantages over steel tubs as known heretofore. In the first place, the tub of my invention requires considerably less metal than has been used heretofore and is, therefore, much lighter in weight. At the same time, it possesses sufficient strength to sustain the loads to which it is subjected. A further advantage is that my tub has a bottom which slopes downwardly in all directions toward a central drain and ends which have substantially the same slope. This eliminates any preference of the user for a particular facing direction, when seated in the tub, so that a single style of tub serves for all installations. By placing the water faucets over the side of the tub instead of over one end, they are readily available to the user regardless of the facing direction when seated in the tub.

A further feature of my invention is a supporting cradle adapted to rest on the floor and constitute the sole support for the tub when installed. I also provide an overflow outlet in one side of the tub with a connection therefrom to the drain flttirm in the center of the tub bottom thus reducing the amount of plumbing were needed for a tub installation.

In a preferred embodiment, my tub is formed by drawing a flat, relatively thin sheet. of steel such as 18 gauge to form the'tub body or well and a flat. peripheral rim in one piece. Along one side, the rim is relatively wide to provide a seat edge. On the other three sides, the rim is bent upwardly to form a water retaining flange. 'The bottom of the tub slopes in all directions toward a drain fitting at the center.

Further details of my invention and other novel features and advantages thereof will be pointed out during the following complete description and explanation which refer to the accompanying drawing illustrating the preferred embodiment. In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a plan view of a tub of the recess type, i. e., one adapted for installation in a recess defined by two end walls and a back or side wall;

Figure 2 is a longitudinal section along the line II-II of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a transverse section along the line III-III of Figure 1; and

Figure 4 is a partial section similar to Figure 3 showing a modification.

Referring now in detail to the drawing, the tub of my invention indicated generally at ll comprises an elongated body or well ll having a flat peripheral rim ii. The body and rim are preferably formed in one piece by drawing a relatively thin steel sheet, e. g., 18 gau e, between suitable forming dies. The well II has sides II and M, ends I! and i8 and a bottom II. As shown in Figures 2 and 3,the ends and sides slope inwardly, the slope of the two ends being substantially the same and likewise that of the two sides.

The bottom I! slopes downwardly toward a drain opening at the center thereof in which a drain fitting II is positioned. The longitudinal slope of the bottom is the same from both ends toward the center and this is likewise true of the transverse slope. The bottom I1 is stepped" progressively toward the center as at i9. This improves the appearance of the tub bottom.

provides a non-skid tread surface and increases the rigidity of the bottom.

An overflow outlet 20 is formed in the back side wall. A connection 2i extends therefrom to the fitting II. This connection may be of suitable material such as a waterproof plasticor other moldable material.

The rim I2 is wider along the outer side of well, as indicated at 22, than along the ends or back wall, to provide a seat edge. The edge of the rim I! along the outer side of the well is bent under into a roll as at 23 to provide a surface suitable to be gripped with the hands in getting into or out of the tub. A flange 24 is bent upwardly from the ends and back side of the rim I! to retain any water splashed on the rim and prevent seepage thereof downwardhr into the walls abutting the ends and back side of the rim.

A cradle 2! is adapted to rest on the iioor and provide the sole support necessary for the tub. The cradle includes spaced cross members or sleepers 28, the upper. edges of which slope inwardly toward their mid-points and also trans-.

versely toward the central transverse plane of the tub. Longitudinal members 21 secured to the sleepers 26 complete the cradle. The latter may be constructed entirely of wood, thereby reducing the amount of metal used for tub installation. It will be noted that the members 21 define a surface conforming closely to that 01' the tub bottom whereby the entire tub is rigidly supported and any tilting or slight movement of the tub is prevented. The use of the cradle supporting the tub permits the latter to be made of relatively thin material without danger of excessive deflection thereof under load.

It is to be noted that the tub as illustrated is not provided with the usual apron or front panel extending from the outer edge the rim to the floor. This effects a further saving in metal and weight. I! it is desired to give the tub the appearance 01' a built-in fixture, a panel of suitable non-metallic material may be mounted in the position of the usual apron.

Figure 4 illustrates a modified form of connection between the overflow opening and the drain fitting. According to this modification, a troughshaped stamping 28 made from sheet steel is welded to the exterior of the tub so that its upper end overlies the overflow outlet 20' and its lower end intersects the drain fitting l8.

It will be apparent from the foregoing description that the invention i characterized by numerous advantages. In the first place, the weight of my tub is considerably less than that of steel tubs made previously. This saving or metal is of particular importance presently. In the second place, my tub is what may be called a "universal" type since it does not require to be installed with one end on a preferred hand," either right or left, and thus obviates the necessity for different styles for right" and leit installations. The tub is thus adapted for installation in a wall recess regardless-o1 whether the supply pipes are at one end or the other, or even at the side. At the same time, the tube is amply strong to sustain any stress to which it may be subjected in ordinary service. The fact that the tub is composed of comparatively light gauge metal also facilitates the usual enameling operation. The cost of manufacture is no greater, if not somewhat less than that of steel tubs previously known and the cost of the material is reduced in proportion to the reduction in weight.

Although I have illustrated and described but a preferred embodiment of the invention with a modification of one feature thereof, it will be understood that the invention may be variously embodied otherwise than as illustrated herein, without departing from the spirit or my invention or the scope of the appended claim.

I claim:

A stationary bathtub adapted-for permanent installation comprising a body composed of sheet steel having a well therein defined by spaced sides and ends and a bottom, a rim extending peripherally of said'well, both said ends being inclined at substantially the same angle to the plane of said rim, said bottoni having a central drain hole therein, the bottom sloping longitudinally and transversely toward said hole and being progressively stepped downwardly toward the latter. an overflow outlet in one of the sides, and a conduit extending from said outlet to a point adjacent said drain hole.

CLARENCE J. RODMAN. 

